Manifest Destiny and Westward Expansion

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Transcript of Manifest Destiny and Westward Expansion

Manifest Destiny Political Social Economic America wanted to become more powerful . Southern states knew that they would soon be outnumbered by non-slave states. They hoped to spread salvery by expanading westward. Presidental Canidate James Polk used the country's desire to become more powerful to become president. The Gold Rush! New Land! The belief that America should spread from coast to coast What government actions led to Manifest Destiny? Why did people believe in Manifest Destiny? How did the economy help the idea of Manifest Destiny? The term Manifest Destiny came from John O'Suillivan, a Newspaper editor. ".... the right of our manifest destiny to over spread and to possess the whole of the continent which Providence has given us for the development of the great experiment of liberty and federaltive development of self-government entrusted to us. It is right such as that of the tree to the space of air and the earth suitable for the full expansion of its principle and destiny of growth." Polk was a Democratic canidate that ran on the platform of Manifest Destiny, annexation, and the American system. He won in 1844. In 1848 gold is found in California, American Settlers move west in serch of riches. Land Spectculators would buy land at a cheap price. They would sell the land when the price increase for a profit . Escape The Mormons went west for religious freedom. Some people went west to escape prison. Land Ownership Some believe that all people should own plot of land to keep the country free. Brigham Young Manifest Destiny Social Roots Economic Roots Political Roots The Roots of Manifest Destiny Roots of Manifest Destiny Manifest Destiny and Westward Expansion The people of the United States used Manifest Destiny to justify expanding into the west. The Oregon Territory This area was controlled by both Britain and the United States since 1818. Reports of rich land (land good for farming) encoraged many settlers to head west. Eventually, there were more Americans settlers than British.During president Polk's campaign he spoke of taking over all of Oregon. He used the slogan 'fifty-four forty of fight!' 54 40' N latitude was the northern border of the shared territory. Instead of fighting for the entire territory, the United States settle 49th Parallel in 1846. 54 40' N 49 N Texas Revolution Tejas was a state in the Spanish Colony of New Spain.Tejas had few settlers, so Spain tried to attract settlers with land. Many Americans moved to Tejas and became Spanish citizens.In 1821 Mexico gained its independence. The Mexican government did not allow slavery. Tensions began to rise between the Tejanos, Native Texans and the Americans. Problems with the Mexican government eventually causes the Americans in Tejas to lead a revolt. Texas becomes the lone Star Republic in 1836. Americans wait almost 10 years to annex Texas—because of issue of slavery and to avoid war with Mexico. When the United States annexed Texas, Mexico still claimed Texas as its own.Mexico viewed this annexation as an act of WAR!President Polk sends John Slidell on a diplomatic mission to Mexico. The United States offers Mexico $25 million for California, Texas, and New Mexico. The Mexican government rejects this offer. There was also a boundary dispute as to where Texas ended and Mexico began. The Road to War Nueces River boundary Rio Grande boundary The Mexican-American War President Polk ordered General Zachary Taylor to take U.S. troops into disputed border region.Polk claims this action is to protect Texas from possible Mexican attack. However, it is really to get Mexico to attack first. Mexico attacks and kills 11 U.S. Soldiers.Polk uses this attack to get congress to declare war. America goes to war against Mexico on May 13, 1846.